Of all the signings the Lakers made this offseason, Sandro Mamukelashvili was perhaps the most unexpected.
A reserve for the Raptors last season, the purple and gold not only moved swiftly to sign him, but gave him quite the contract as well. It was part of the team’s move toward being younger, more athletic and offensive-focused.
But given his role in Toronto and likely few Lakers fans having watched him last season, we reached out to our friends over at Raptors HQ and asked their site manager, Julian
Apolinario, for a scouting report on Mamu.
What are his strengths?
Mamu is a versatile offensive player who can be trusted to get a bucket, while often punching above his weight class — both from a height standpoint and a roster position one. He has experience playing both power forward and center, and is a great locker room guy.
With him, it’s just as much about the intangibles as it is about the stuff you see on the court. Of late he’s developed into a solid shooter with an outside shot that does really need to be respected.
What are his weaknesses?
For someone who is often slotted into the five, Mamu is a bit small at only 6’9″. In a traditional world, he’s really more of a power forward. While he’s not a cone on defense, it’s not what I’d say stands out about his game.
From an outsider’s perspective, how do you see him fitting with the Lakers?
I think his tandem with both Luka Doncic and Walker Kessler will be worth looking out for. Mamu can space the floor while maintaining interior presence in a way that could benefit Kessler if he’s slotted in next to him.
Playing off-ball with Luka facilitating for both interior looks and 3-point shots will be able to keep him as a smoothly running part of the offensive engine.
Anything else to know about him?
The fans tend to love Mamu a lot wherever he goes.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.
